Joyce Rath

Joyce Lee (Sayre) Rath passed away at 4:20 a.m. on Friday, December 9, 2011 after a gradual decline in her health. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family. Joyce was born in Morley, Colorado on May 19, 1931. Her parents were Leslie and Palma (Pelligrini) Sayre. She graduated from Trinidad High School in 1949 and Denver's St. Joseph School of Nursing in 1952. Joyce continued her professional career as a registered nurse for more than 40 years, a career that she loved and cherished. She was head nurse at Trinidad's Mt. San Rafael Hospital and at Brighton's Community Hospital, both in Colorado. Joyce retired from the Vincennes Community School Corporation as a school nurse.Joyce is survived by her husband, Dutch, of 58 years. She had two children (and spouses): Kim Modrowski (Tom) of St. John, IN and Phil Rath (Marianne) of Vincennes. In addition, she has six grandchildren: Mitch Rath (Amanda), Todd Rath, Jennifer Rath, Kristin Kantroski (Frank), Kellee Modrowski and Katye Modrowski. Her joy continued with her three great-grandchildren: Keaton Rath, Noah Rath and Mila Kantroski. Joyce is survived by her brother, Harry Sayre (Joann Sayre deceased) of Trinidad, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her other two brothers: Leslie Sayre (Oweda Sayre) of Boulder, Colorado and Charles Sayre (Flossie Sayre) of Tucson, Arizona.As a community activist she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, League of Women Voters and Daughters of the Isabella and Sacred Heart Church. She was a bridge and puzzle enthusiast, avid golfer and lovingly known as a master storyteller by her grandchildren.Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 11 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 524 Broadway St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Monday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Fleck as celebrant. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.The family asks that her memory be honored with donations to Good Samaritan Hospice, 520 S. 7th St., Vincennes, IN 47591.Online condolences may be sent through www.goodwinfamilyfh.com